HOME: A Film Review on Environmental Awareness and Tourism’s Role
The cult environmental documentary film “HOME,” produced in 2009 by French director Yann Arthus-Bertrand, deeply shocked me with its documentation of our planet’s critical state. It also moved me with its beautiful aerial perspectives and the possibilities for positive change.
The film begins by explaining the evolution of the planet, its atmosphere, and all life on Earth, including the first cells, plants, soils, animals, and humankind. It uses breathtakingly beautiful scenery filmed from a bird’s-eye view. A calm and captivating narrator describes the amazing story of life’s development, making the viewer aware of the rare and mysterious wonder of life on this incredible planet.
After reviewing 4 billion years of evolution in 30 minutes, the film demonstrates how rare, beautiful, unique, and linked all living things are. It then documents how a small percentage of humankind has permanently destroyed the world’s forests, waters, landscapes, and peoples for short-term, greed-driven monetary profit. The tourism industry is no exception.
Shocking statistics regarding the excessive exploitation and disrespect of Earth’s non-renewable resources and toxic pollution of the air, soil, and water create a dismal forecast for our future on our common home, Earth.
The sad and shocking documentation of the disparities between rich and poor, and the shameful statistics regarding how many people die daily from hunger and dirty drinking water, make the viewer not only depressed but also angry.
The promising solutions documented towards the end of the film inspire the viewer. There is no time for pessimism, and there is still time, if only a little, to stop the deadly race towards the complete destruction of all life on Earth.
Humankind can make positive changes and save what is left of our beautiful planet if everyone does their part and works together.
After seeing the film “HOME,” I became more inspired about my studies and future career as a Tourism and Events Management professional.
Through my education and motivation, I am more aware of how to help make positive changes to save our planet and help suffering humanity through my future work in a sustainable tourism company, for example.
Through my work in the eco-tourism industry, I can contribute to raising consciousness regarding promoting a better understanding among peoples everywhere regarding sustainable living on this planet, our common home. By helping create a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various environments and civilizations, there will be a greater appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures. This contributes to strengthening peace in the world and more respect for nature, which the tourism industry presently exploits and profits from. The film “HOME” made me more aware of how bad the living conditions of some people are and how everyone can help to make the world better, even with tiny steps.
Through my profession, I can be more a part of the solutions to the problems and help others become aware of them. Everyone can start respecting nature and the environment more because it is our biggest asset, our biggest present, and our only common home.